Help Elect Debbie

A first generation American and a champion for Florida working families

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is running for re-election to Congress to ensure that all working families have the opportunity to get ahead that her family had — opportunities that are disappearing in Florida and across the country. Born in Ecuador, Debbie immigrated to the United States as a young girl with her mother and three sisters seeking economic opportunity. Her mother worked tirelessly as a home health care provider and learned English in night and weekend classes, teaching her that anything is possible in America if you work hard. Debbie started working the early morning shift at a doughnut shop to help her family make ends meet when she was 15 years old, and remained focused on earning the grades she needed to get a college scholarship. After earning her bachelor’s degree in political science, she worked as an office manager at a shipping company to support herself while earning her master’s degree in international political economy. She has dedicated her career to improving the lives of all Floridians, helping nonprofits increase access to quality health care for all and fight the effects of climate change. Debbie and her husband have three school-aged children, and are proud to raise them in the Sunshine State. As the first Ecuadorian American and first South American immigrant to serve in Congress, and as the only Latina currently in the Florida delegation, she brings new leadership and new vision to Congress.

An experienced community leader fighting to improve health care access in Florida

Debbie is deeply grateful for the opportunities America has given her, and she works tirelessly to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs to help Florida’s working families thrive. She has worked on finding innovative solutions to serious problems facing her community by building public private partnerships to help fund critical programs. Debbie, a former associate dean at Florida International University, has over a decade of experience working in education. She is dedicated to strengthening public universities and addressing the rising costs of higher education that create barriers for hardworking Floridians doing their best to improve their lives. A pro-choice champion, Debbie is committed to fighting back against the GOP’s assault on reproductive health care. Through her work with the Coral Restoration Foundation, Debbie has seen firsthand that Florida cannot wait to act on climate change. She is fighting back against the extreme Republican agenda that prioritizes special interests at the expense of our climate and our precious natural resources. Debbie is a fierce advocate for policies that grow Florida’s economy and preserve its unique environment for generations of residents and visitors to come.

A must-win re-election fight in a swing district

Debbie won this swing district by just over 4,000 votes in 2018, a tough year for Democrats in Florida, and all eyes will be on this battleground state as she faces her first re-election campaign. This district is in one of the country’s most expensive media markets — Debbie had nearly $6 million spent against her in 2018, and total spending in this race topped $20 million — and the Republican Party will do everything they can to take this seat back in 2020. With so much at stake, let’s show Debbie the full support of the EMILY’s List community to keep this champion for Florida working families in the House and in the majority.